Paco Santiago Marin, 2022

A powerful, expressive Spanish concert guitar from one of Granada’s most respected luthiers, built jointly by Paco Santiago Marín and his son, Luis Santiago, and signed by both. This is the kind of instrument that reminds you why traditional Spanish guitars have such a devoted following: raw character, explosive attack when you dig in, lyrical and singing trebles, and a responsiveness that feels almost alive.

I’ve played many of Marín’s guitars over the years, and I’ve always admired how they blend a classic Granada voice with modern concert-level power. This 2022 example is the first one I’ve had long enough to truly get to know, and it completely confirms why top players such as Ricardo Gallén, Marco Tamayo, and René Izquierdo have championed Marín’s work for decades. It’s beautifully balanced, deeply musical, and has an immediacy of tone that reacts to every nuance of your hands.

Key Features

• Top: German spruce

• Back & Sides: Indian rosewood with central ebony strip

• Bracing: Traditional fan bracing

• Model: 30th Anniversary (signed by Paco Santiago Marín & Luis Santiago)

• Tuners: Alessi with white rollers

• Condition: Near mint, extremely clean with only light superficial marks

• Additional details: 20th-fret high C extension; classic Granada headstock; ebony headplate veneer

Overview

This 30th Anniversary Model features a German spruce top paired with Indian rosewood back and sides, a classic combination executed with Marín’s unmistakable restraint and elegance. The rosette is understated and tasteful, the craftsmanship is clean and refined, and the guitar is in near-mint condition with only very minor cosmetic marks.

Where this guitar really distinguishes itself is in its voice. The trebles are open and soaring, with a purity that projects effortlessly in a hall. The third string in particular stands out as an expressive, full-bodied note with its own color, rather than the thin or nasal quality that can sometimes appear on Spanish guitars. The basses are wide, open, and powerful, delivering depth without overwhelming the upper register.

Playability is superb. The action is comfortably low, the neck is a medium C leaning slightly toward a gentle D profile, and despite its power, the guitar stays clean and free of buzz even when pushed hard. It responds beautifully to both aggressive, percussive playing and to delicate lyrical phrasing.

Sound & Playability

This is one of those Spanish guitars that feels like it gains energy the more you push into it. It’s capable of real force and emotional bite but also responds to feather-light playing with warmth and sensitivity. Highlights include:

• Explosive basses that stay controlled even under heavy attack

• Singing trebles with excellent projection and consistency across all positions

• An unusually strong and beautiful third string, one of the real separators of this instrument

• Excellent balance between registers without any need to “hold back” the basses

• Smooth, fast playability with a neck profile suited to most hands

• A wide expressive range, equally suited for Spanish romantic repertoire and modern concert demands

Near-mint overall. Very light handling marks consistent with minimal prior use. Structurally perfect and exceptionally well cared for.

If you're looking for a true Spanish concert guitar with enormous character, superb balance, and stunning musicality, this 2022 Paco Santiago Marín is an exceptional example.

If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com